It’s Official: Chess is Coming to the Esports World Cup 2025

In collaboration with Chess.com, the Esports World Cup Foundation extends an invitation to the globe’s elite online chess players, who will battle it out in Riyadh for a staggering $1.5 million prize fund. Moreover, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has officially signed on as a Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup Chess event.

Yes, Chess Is An Esport

Online chess isn’t merely a computer adaptation of the classic game; it’s fundamentally transformed by features like instant time control and premoves. As such, online chess can be seen as a unique form of the game, distinct from traditional over-the-board play. In essence, online chess could be considered an early form of eSports, predating the term itself.

Recently, there’s been a significant shift in the environment surrounding the game of chess. In recent years, online chess has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, and platforms such as Chess.com have amassed an impressive user base numbering in the hundreds of millions.

Due to the recent success of the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” and the growing number of popular chess broadcasters on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, chess has undergone a remarkable transformation from a traditional pastime into an unstoppable worldwide craze, enjoyed by individuals across various age groups and cultures.

Esports teams such as TSM and OpTic, along with others, have brought in renowned chess players like Hikaru Nakamura and the Botez sisters to their teams, reflecting the growing influence of online chess tournaments. This move reinforces the significance of chess within the realm of esports.

Magnus Carlsen, considered one of the best chess players ever, is stepping into the Esports World Cup as a representative. His role is to bridge the gap between chess and the wider esports community by demonstrating the strategic thinking and competitive nature that both chess and popular esports games have in common.

Magnus Carlsen expressed his excitement as chess is now part of the Esports World Cup’s major games, stating this collaboration will help expand the game, attract new players, and inspire future champions. It’s an incredible chance for chess to reach a vast audience of esports enthusiasts.

Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Format

At the EWC, the style of chess being played will follow a fast-paced Rapid Chess rule set where each player gets 10 minutes to make all their moves without any extra time added on.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve come to appreciate rapid time control in chess above all else. It strikes this perfect balance where I can demonstrate my tactical acumen with thoughtful moves, yet it never slows down enough to become dull or tedious. The swift pace keeps the adrenaline pumping and the games thrilling, whether I’m watching or playing. Simply put, rapid time control is the heartbeat of chess that keeps us all on edge!

12 contenders aiming to participate in the EWC will secure their spots via the Champions Chess Tour, which is scheduled to organize two online tournaments in February and May of 2025. A Last Chance Qualifier will occur in Riyadh during this period, serving as a selection for the last four participants. This event will welcome both amateur and professional players.

Introducing the timeless strategy game, chess, into the Esports World Cup is a thrilling leap forward,” noted Ralf Reichert, head of the Esports World Cup Foundation. By teaming up with top-tier online chess platform Chess.com and the illustrious Magnus Carlsen – a true icon in the game – we have the opportunity to highlight chess on an international stage while fostering advancements and expansion within its thriving community. We can’t wait to witness our clubs take on this fresh challenge and observe how this partnership can propel competitive chess to even greater heights.

As a passionate gamer, I’m super excited to share the latest updates about the Esports World Cup Chess tournament in 2025. Mark your calendars for July 31st through August 3rd, 2025 – don’t miss out on this unparalleled chess competition! Stay tuned for more details on the competitors and their progress as we head towards the grand event!

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2025-02-27 17:32